Meet Blaine

“He is the most awesome guy in the world,” said Blaine Shannon of his friend and confidant for the last 11 years, Dave Dixon. Dave also happens to be the Program Director for Governor Hall Place, Blaine’s home and one of NeuroRestorative Tennessee’s supported living programs where he lives with his four housemates and the house dog, Scruffy Max.

“We really try to enforce a culture here in which everyone is equal,” said Dave. “Everyone has challenges, but it’s all about how you deal with them day to day. The respect that we have for one another, both staff and participants, is what pushes Blaine and the other guys to be more independent.”

When Blaine suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a result of a motor vehicle accident while working as a technician in 1994, he experienced personality changes including aggression and poor impulse control, and physical challenges that resulted in the need for him to use a wheelchair to get around.

NeuroRestorative’s supported living programs empower individuals, like Blaine, to be more independent by becoming contributing members of the community while still receiving the support they need to improve their quality of life. Since living at Governor Hall Place, Blaine has learned to independently manage his activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing and grooming himself. He has also learned how to better manage his behavior and emotions by taking the time to think about their consequences. Blaine began to remove himself from situations before his emotions and behavior got out of control, thus enabling his physicians to discontinue the use of behavioral medications in his treatment plan.

Blaine ventures into the community daily. He regularly exercises at the neighborhood YMCA, and actively takes part in meal planning with his housemates, grocery shopping and cooking–Blaine is known for his famous house chili. Blaine also enjoys playing games on his computer, listening to classic rock, watching movies–The Transporter is a recent favorite–and having cookouts on the deck with the guys.

“This is their home and we are here to help them have the best days they can,” said Dave.